UFC featherweight contender Zabit Magomedsharipov finally spoke up regarding his condition and the reason he retired. Zabit detailed his health problems in a statement that he shared on his social media.
Zabit Magomedsharipov was a spectacular athlete competing in the featherweight division. The 31-year-old has been inactive since 2019 with only rumors going around on as to what exactly happened to him.
The most common rumor about his inactivity was that it was caused by health problems. Fans speculated that Zabit suffers from an esophageal ailment that made his training difficult. Some said he had an immune system issue. There were even rumors saying Zabit has fully dedicated himself to spirituality or that he’s interested to go into the medical field.
Previously sources revealed that Zabit Magomedsharipov intends to retire from the UFC. This has been confirmed by sources as of recent.
Recently, the Dagestani athlete finally revealed:
“Assalamu alaikum friends! I know that many of you were waiting for my return, there was not a single day that someone did not ask when is my next fight was. But I decided to end my pro sports career.”
“Disruptions of fights, and then health problems – all this did not allow me to perform/fight earlier. I have recovered now, but I don’t feel the way I used to.”
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me for such a long time. I didn’t have time to become a champion, but I think, even without this, I hope I was able to please/entertain you))”
“I cease to be an active athlete, but I do not leave the sport. I have something and with whom to share my knowledge.”
“So don’t say goodbye, friends!”
Zabit shared some good news about his condition. Unfortunately, we won’t get to see him inside the octagon again. And like many other UFC retirees, Zabit will still be involved with mixed martial arts. He is planning to become a trainer much like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Magomedsharipov departs the sport with a perfect 6-0 UFC record and an overall 18-1 MMA record. In 2019, he was rated No. 3 at featherweight after victories over Jeremy Stephens and Calvin Kattar.
Zabit Magomedsharipov was a former featherweight champion in Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), a Russian based MMA promotion. He joined the UFC in 2017 after defending his ACB title one time.